FDA blows alarm on fake Hepatitis B herbal medicine

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has raised alarm on the distribution and sale of a fake herbal medicine called HEPTA 3.

According to the FDA, it has not registered HEPTA 3 as claimed by the manufacturer.

The manufacturers of HEPTA 3, Dr. Akosua Adu-Ayaa and Akomea Sakyi, who operate a herbal clinic/manufacturing facility at Chirapatre in Kumasi, called Power Specialist Clinic / Power Health Products Limited. HEPTA 3 is supposed to treat Hepatitis B, Typhoid fever and other immune-compromised conditions.

Meanwhile, Dr. Akosua Adu-Ayaa and Akomea Sakyi, manufacturers and distributors of HEPTA 3, have been arrested by the police in Kumasi.

A press statement signed by Dr. Stephen K. Opuni, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA, advised the general public not to patronize HEPTA 3, because it cannot treat Hepatitis B infection.

Moreover, Hepatitis B infection is a viral disease whilst Typhoid fever is caused by salmonella bacteria. One product cannot, therefore, treat the two disease conditions.

Dr. Opuni’s statement explained that Hepatitis B infection can lead to life-threatening complications, like impairment of the liver (reduced ability of the liver to function), liver failure and an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Hepatitis B infection can also cause kidney problems that may lead eventually to kidney failure.

In view of the seriousness of the above complications, it is unacceptable for anyone to mislead the public that he/she has a cure for Hepatitis B, when actually that is not true.

The FDA entreated the public to report anyone found selling HEPTA 3 to the nearest FDA office or the Police.

Additionally, information from the general public on persons in any practice possible of endangering public health and safety with respect to FDA’s mandate is most welcomed, through any of the following contact numbers; 0244337235, 0544338829, 0246809509 or 0544863418.